The Acne Series: Guest review of the Aphelia Cosmetology Oasis Acne Solution

The next guest review in my acne series that I am going to bring to you is from Andrea and is of the Aphelia Cosmetology skincare range. Andrea is 33 years of age but still suffers from bad acne especially on her forehead and cheeks.

The Aphelia Cosmetology herbal skincare range is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (a little aside - Traditional Chinese Medicine is actually the degree that I wanted to study at uni but I was worried it might limit my job prospects if I didn't like the field so I went for a more broad science degree - Biomedical Science, with the plans on specialising in Tradition Chinese Medicine once I finished. Instead, I fell in love with pathology and went on to do a PhD in wound healing but I still find the field absolutely fascinating). Rather than rely on one 'hero herb' in an otherwise basic formulation, Aphelia Cosmetology uses a precise prescription of herbs to create a formulation that heals and nurtures your skin.

The acne range from Aphelia Cosmetology is truly unique - it is the world’s only acne solution with no Benzoyl Peroxide & Salicylic Acid that has been proven with independent in vitro (this means in a petri dish or in a test tube) tests to inhibit acne bacterium for 6 hours at 99.96% (I have a copy of these studies which I will go through in more detail in another post). This means that the acne range from Aphelia Cosmetology won't produce the side effects that Benzoyl Peroxide & Salicylic Acid may cause such as drying and irritating you skin.

Andrea was provided with the Acne Solution Set (RRP $49.95) which contains the Oasis Acne Solution and the Classic Skin Purifier Cleansing Beauty Oil as well as the Master Cleanse.

Here is Andrea's review:

Aphelia Oasis Acne Solution

For the first time in months, more like years! I had just 1 pimple for the first month, so the product did work for sure in reducing pimples forming. However the one pimple I did get was pretty bad and did take ages to go away even with using it religiously twice a day. Have been using the cleanser and makeup remover in the range too. Don't mind the fragrance of the oil and cleanser but don't care for the fragrance of the acne treatment essence so much. It has a very strong herbal medicinal smell which I do not like much at all. The second month I used it I got a few more pimples. So pretty average at stopping pimples from forming which is good. Wish it actually treated the ones that did occur too. The product itself is like a pale yellow liquid which you apply all over the face. It dries quickly and is a bit drying on the skin. Does not leave it looking oily though and can apply makeup over it without any problems.

Aphelia Master Cleanse Deep Cleanse Fluid

Have been using this a face wash for up to 2 months now. My skin has much less breakouts than normal. Does not lather up too much. My face feels really fresh and clean. It removes all traces of makeup, even eye makeup completely. My skin feels soft, clean and fresh. Does not dry out my skin or leave me with a "tight" feeling. . It has a very faint almost no fragrance and a nice white shimmery colour. Like the white and gold lettering clean classic lines of the bottle. You only need one press of the pump for washing your face so it lasts for a long time too. For all 3 products found a sharp contrast in the very bright green and gold outer pack and the inner actual look of the bottles.

Aphelia Classic Skin Purifier Cleansing Beauty Oil

I used this for removing makeup with a cotton pad. Like the look of the bottle and the easy dispense pump pack. SO no wastage or mess. Has a delightful light oriental/floral fragrance. Its useful when I have worn heavy eye makeup to get the makeup off as gently as possible. I do use it for cleansing my skin too. It does not lather up, it emulsifies with a few drops of water to cleanse your face. Again left my skin feeling incredibly soft and clean. Perfect for dry skin types and for use in winter. I thought it would be hard to remove as it was an oil based product, but it washed off very easily after cleansing.

Thanks Andrea.

The Aphelia Cosmetology range can be bought online.

I actually have two more guest reviews coming up for this range so it will be great to hear how it works on a variety of skin types.


What have you found to be your solution to your acne woes? Does your current acne range dry out your skin?


I received no remuneration for this post and all opinions are my (or Andrea's) own. The Aphelia range was provided to Andrea for consideration. 

How to Apply Kohl/ Kajal – 3 Simple Steps

Today I bring you a guest post is from Chetana from StyleCraze. Over the years, through practice, experimenting and getting tips from blogs, my makeup skills have really improved. However, there is still one area that has me stumped - how to apply eyeliner, or, more specifically how to apply Kohl rimmed eyes. I decided to go to the expert for advice and Chetena has delivered! Here is her step by step guide to applying Kohl/Kajal.

Kohl or kajal is one of the most basic items in any woman’s vanity. In ancient times, Kohl was used as a medicinal preparation to avoid eye infections. Today it is a makeup item used by women across the globe to highlight their eyes. Traditionally kohl was prepared as a creamy substance using ingredients like sandalwood, castor oil, and muslin cloth. Today, Kohl comes in different formats and forms.  The new age cosmetic brands have made it easier to apply by manufacturing Kajal in the pencil form.

Here is a step by step guide for applying Kajal:

Before you start, you need to clean the eye area so that the kajal stays for a long time. Usually the most important problem with kohl is that it does not stay for long and it creases and spreads easily. But you can avoid this by opting for a waterproof Kajal.

Also those with oily skin and lids have to take extra precautions in order to get the maximum effect of the kohl.

Step 1:

Make sure to clear the eye area of any leftover eye makeup. Apply the foundation or tinted moisturizer and do the face makeup.

Step 2:

Conceal the under eye area if you have any dark circles. After applying concealer, use a primer on the lids for better staying power. 

Step 3:

Now use the kohl pencil to line from the inner corner of the eyes and extend it towards the outer corners. Use a thicker line near the outer corners.

Also line the upper lids with kohl or eye liner. If you want to make your eyes look bigger, then use a nude kohl pencil to line just the inner rim of the lower lash line.

Also to make the kohl stay longer, apply a bit of pressed powder or translucent powder. This way, it will stay in place for a really long time. You can apply a bit of black eye shadow over it for the same results. Use compact right under the lower lash line to help the kohl stay in its place. Apply mascara and you are done. 

Thanks Chetana for this easy to follow tutorial. Do visit StyleCraze.com for more eye makeup tips and tutorials.

 

Is there any area of makeup that you constantly struggle with?

The acne series: a teen's perspective of the Teen Aspect Kit

As anyone who has suffered from acne knows, it can affect any age and not one treatment will cure everyone so I have been trying to get a range of reviewers to try a variety of solutions in the hope that you will find your solution. Today's guest reviewer is Brook. Brooke  is 12 1/2 years and has pimply skin on her forehead, chin and both cheeks.   She has very oily skin from hormonal changes and has been suffering regular bouts of lots of pimples for the last 6 months or so. I had Brook trial the Teen Aspect Kit for me. 

According to Aspect, Teen Aspect is:

A simple, uncomplicated skin care range designed with the busy teenager in mind. Teen Aspect is suitable for pre-teens and teenagers who want a quick and easy-to-use skin care regime. Free of the typical nasties, it will not irritate, dry out or clog the skin.

Teen Aspect Kit

The ideal way to try out the Teen Aspect range for only $59.95!  The Teen Aspect Starter Kit is the ideal start to clean, clear skin. The Teen Aspect Starter Kit contains:

• Teen Aspect Cleanser
• Teen Aspect Toner
• Teen Aspect Facial Lotion
• Teen Aspect Stop Spot Travel Stick

Here is Brook's review:

Teen Aspect Cleanser – “The smell is lemony and refreshing.  After I used it my face felt clean.  It was gentle on my skin.  The container is easy to pump out the cleanser and it goes all bubbly when I rubbed it on my face.  I only need to use one squirt for the whole of my face and it worked well.”

 Teen Aspect Toner – “The toner was my favourite because when I wiped my skin with it felt fresh, although after it my skin felt dry and that’s why I used the Teen Aspect Facial Lotion after it.  It smells very strong and lemony.”

 Teen Aspect Facial Lotion – “The Facial Lotion made my face feel moisturised and took away the ‘dryness’ of the toner.  It smells like the cleanser – the lemony smell.  This also came in a pump pack like the cleanser and toner. “

 Teen Aspect Stop Spot – “The Stop Spot was good to put on pimples that needed to be treated and it helped get rid of them.  It smells lemony too – which is nice because it was very refreshing in the morning and before I went to bed.  The Stop Spot is a liquid and I squirted a tiny bit onto my finger and put it onto my pimples.  My older sister tried to use it (without asking!) and applied Stop Spot straight to her face which doesn’t work because it ran down her cheek.”

 “All the products have the black , white and silver design which I liked and I like how it came in a set and looks really good together.  I did find my skin cleared up a bit when I used it all the time – both day and night.  When I stopped using it (because I got a bit forgetful) I noticed my pimples tried to come back.  I want to keep using this Teen Aspect range.”

Before using the Teen Aspect Kit 

After using the Teen Aspect Kit

Sigh...doesn't Brook have gorgeous skin!

The photo's speak for themselves. Brook's skin seems to have really settled down. As she is just entering her teenage years I wouldn't expect her to be completely pimple free but this kit is really keeping the majority of them at bay.

The Teen Aspect Kit can be bought from selected clinics for $59.95. For your nearest stockist call 1800 648 851.

Have you found the solution to your acne woes yet?

See here for other posts in The Acne Series.

All opinions are Brook's own and neither Brook nor myself received any remuneration for this post. Brook was provided with the Teen Aspect Kit for consideration.

Summer giveaway series: Parissa – Hot Wax & Azulene Oil

For the remainder of summer I have decided to run a series of giveaways. The will be at least one each week (hopefully more!). I am kicking off my summer giveaway series with a fab giveaway courtesy of Parissa - the at home waxing experts.

Win one of 3 Parissa gift packs valued at $25.98 each.

At-Home Waxing Experts, Parissa, formulate ALL their Hair Removal products using the finest quality, natural ingredients to create easy to use waxes that deliver salon results in the comfort of your own home.

Naturally formulated with beeswax, Parissa Hot Wax is pH balanced and safe for all skin types. This no-strip hair remover is ideal for removing short, coarse hair from sensitive areas like the face, underarms and bikini line.

Formulated to deliver effective relief from razor burn, bumps, redness and irritation, Parissa Azulene Oil is the perfect after wax accessory.

Parissa products gently exfoliate your skin while removing hair, leaving your skin softer, smoother and more radiant with every application.

www.parissa.com

How to enter:

There are three different ways in which you can enter (and you can enter more than once to increase your chances)

1. Tell me a funny or embarrassing waxing or hair related story in the comments below. The one that makes me laugh (or cringe!) the most wins.

2. Post a pic of hairy legs on my Facebook page. Be creative - they don't have to be your hairy legs. The most creative entry wins. Please comment below that you have entered the Facebook giveaway because, if you don't win that, then I will enter you into the random draw (see below).

3. Random draw. If you don't want to do either above, don't worry. You can still enter simply by following me in some format (GFC, email, Facebook etc). Just tell me in the comments below that you wish to enter the random draw. Everyone who has entered via option 1 and/or 2, and don't win, will automatically be entered into the random draw.

This competition will run from 5.00pm AEDST on 27/1/13 to 7.00pm AEDST on 3/2/13. Anyone can enter.

Mariah Carey by OPI collection: Can't Let Go Swatch

This morning I brought you swatches of Get Your Number from the Mariah Carey by OPI collection. Now, here are my swatches of Can't Let Go. This is a lovely deep purple that applies easily and is pretty much opaque after one coat (I used two here to ensure perfection!). OPI describe it as a matte purple with a dazzling sparkle. I found the sparkle to be silver (as opposed to hologram in Get Your Number). I think I prefer Get Your Number, mostly because I love the hologram sparkles.

Deliberately out of focus to show sparkle

There are 8 shades in the Mariah Carey by OPI collection - the following four Liquid Sand lacquers:

• Can't Let Go -  matte purple with a dazzling sparkle
• Get Your Number - matte blue with dynamic sparkles
• Stay the Night - matte black with a red glints of glitter particles
• The Impossible - matte fuchsia shade with confetti star power 

As well as four normal finish lacquers:

• A Butterfly Moment - frosty tan nude 

•  Anti-bleak - deep, creamy purple

•  Pink Yet Lavender - pink glitter with a lavender shimmer

• Sprung - shimmery copper

Which shade do you most want to try in this range? Are you a fan of Mariah Carey and/or her music?


All opinions are my own and I received no remuneration for this post. Can't Let Go was provided for consideration.

Mariah Carey by OPI collection: Get Your Number swatch

Mariah Carey has collaborated with OPI to create a collection of new polishes. Mariah took a very hands on approach, selection colour shades and names.

Her ranges features the new Liquid Sand finish. There is a huge trend for textured nail polishes (think crackle) and this is a total new entry to the texture market. According to OPI:

OPI’s new Liquid Sand lacquers dry to a textured, 'pebbled' effect leaving a sparkling textured finish with fine glitter particles. The Liquid Sand lacquers feature groundbreaking technology that offers a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle. If worn without top coat, Liquid Sand lacquer gives nails a unique textured matte finish worthy of a superstar.

Initially, I was unsure how I would like the sandy texture but it actually looks really effective. I received many compliments when wearing the shades - I think because they came out quite sparkly and the effect is quite striking. It applies easily and is pretty much opaque after one coat; however, I used two coats to completely ensure opacity. You may notice that my middle nail looks blotchy - this is not due to the polish but I wrecked it changing Kiki's nappy and tried to get away with a patch job rather than redo it.

Below are my swatches of Get Your Number, which is described by OPI as a matte blue with dynamic sparkles.

I deliberately took this out of focus to show the
rainbow hologram sparkles

The Mariah Carey by OPI collection will be available from January 2013 for RRP $19.95 and can be found in David Jones stores and selected salons.


What are your thoughts on this new Liquid Sand finish? Does it excite you or are you sick of textured finishes?


All opinions are my own and I received no remuneration for this post. This polish was provided for consideration.

Wedding make-up using Napoleon Perdis

Today is our 5th wedding anniversary. I am shocked at how fast the years have flown by. We have been together for 14 years now so it does feel like Brett has always been a part of my life...but, still, the wedding feels like it was a year ago, not 5 (though, when I look back at the photos we are both a hell of a lot skinnier so obviously time has past! I blame The Crazy Kid and Kiki for 'letting myself go'!).

Today is also Australia Day. Yep, we got married on Australia Day. It's pretty cool as it means that the date is impossible to forget, and we always get a day off; but, it also means that there is usually something else on that day so we actually haven't really celebrated our anniversary so far. Today, though, we are going to more effort. We have booked lunch at Gastro Park (if you watch Masterchef, that's the one where they made calamari crackling - sounds very interesting!) and then we are following it with a helicopter flight over Sydney so it should be a fantastic day. But, the point of this post isn't to tell you that but to share with you my makeup from the day.

At the time I didn't have a regular hairdresser so I decided to just get my hair done at a local salon at the shops. I then decided that since we had to go up there we may as well get our makeup done at a Napoleon Perdis store. It ended up being a good option for us and the best part was that the cost of having our makeup done was redeemable in products. For me, I had a trial and then the makeup on the day and it was $70 each time (not sure if the price is still the same today) but then I was able to choose $140 worth of makeup so I got all the products they used on me to touch up throughout the day. All of my bridesmaids also used Napoleon Perdis products so they were happy to get more makeup too!

At the time, my makeup skills weren't nearly what they are today. I wore very little makeup - pretty much just eye shadow and mascara, so I would never have attempted to do my own makeup. Plus, I liked the experience of being pampered on my wedding day. I actually didn't want to wear foundation (or much makeup for that matter) on the day as I never really wore it but my photographer talked me out of it. He made the point that I would be having a million photos taken that day and my skin would photograph shiny without foundation, plus I would look under done compared to other guests. What he suggested was that I get a makeup trial done then go over to his place and he would do a photo shoot with me so I can see how my makeup photographed. I am so glad I followed his advice as I was really happy with how it looked in the photos.

My eyes are my favourite feature so we decided to accentuate them and keep my lips looking more neutral. I used Autopilot Primer, Camera Finish Foundation, Bronze Patrol and I can't remember exactly the eye colours but they were teals and neutrals to bring out my natural green/blue eye colour plus match with the teal in my wedding dress.

Here are some of my photos. I used Alan Khan photography on the day, and these are a selection of the professional photos (we got to keep all of the digital negatives which I was so pleased about).

From the pre-wedding photo shoot - after seeing this
I knew my makeup would look good in photos

Posing!

More posing!

My beautiful family - we have a running joke that
in every family photo, just to piss mum off, I go cross-eyed.
I wasn't going to make an exception on my wedding day!

I love this photo with my sister

Can't have a wedding post without a pic of my
gorgeous husband

Finally, I had to show you the back of my wedding dress - that was the best part!

My wedding day was the best day of my life, but damn, I never want to go through that again! We followed it up with 3 1/2 weeks in Thailand and Malaysia - pure and utter bliss (and that was the point in which we started getting fat and have never recovered!!).

Happy anniversary, Brett!

Did you do your own wedding makeup or employ the services of a makeup artist. Were you happy with the final result?